Ajit Pawar Identified by His Wristwatch Following Plane Crash in Pune District

Eyewitnesses reported that Maharashtra Deputy CM Ajit Pawar was identified at the plane crash site in Pune by his wristwatch. The tragic incident involved a Learjet attempting a second landing approach.

A wristwatch, always worn by Maharashtra Deputy CM Ajit Pawar, helped identify him at the plane crash site in Pune district. Eyewitnesses reported that the watch was a key identifier amidst the wreckage. The crash occurred near Baramati airport's tabletop runway, where the Learjet was engulfed in flames.

The aircraft, operated by VSR Ventures Pvt Ltd, was 16 years old and crashed during its second landing attempt. This airport is an uncontrolled airfield, with traffic information usually provided by local flying instructors and pilots. Pawar had departed from Mumbai to attend four rallies in Pune district for the February 5 zilla parishad elections.

Plane Crash Investigation

A video circulating online shows someone pointing to a wristwatch on a charred body, claiming it belonged to Ajit Pawar. The clock is also the election symbol of the Nationalist Congress Party, led by the late Ajit Pawar. The crash site was just 200 metres from the runway's edge, and villagers quickly arrived at the scene.

Among those who perished were Captain Sumit Kapoor, with 15,000 hours of flying experience, and Co-pilot Capt. Shambhavi Pathak, who had logged 1,500 hours. Personal Security Officer Vidip Jadhav and flight attendant Pinky Mali also lost their lives in this tragic incident.

Forensic Investigation Underway

The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) dispatched a specialised team to the crash site on Wednesday evening. Their task is to conduct a forensic investigation into the accident's causes. This probe aims to uncover details about what led to this unfortunate event.

Ajit Pawar’s funeral will be conducted with full state honours on Thursday in Baramati. The community mourns his loss alongside those of the other victims involved in this tragic accident.

With inputs from PTI